'EatDrinkMorristown' and Be Merry

It's no secret many consider Morristown a drinking and dining destination.

Now, there's a new place for people to puruse those gastronomical passions.

EatDrinkMorristown.com, launched in late September, informing the greater Morristown area about what's good, what's hot and what's going on with the town's food and beverage industry.

EatDrinkMorristown is the third such site launched by David Liebler, who started EatDrinkHoboken two years ago primarily as a hub for people to find out when and where special events, like Happy Hours, are happening there.

After exploring what works, and what doesn't, he launched EatDrinkMorristown and EatDrinkJerseyCity.

Brett Wilshe, the site's editor, was not slated from the beginning of his time with EatDrinkNewJersey to cover Morristown. A 2010 graduate in journalism from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, it seemed more likely he would eventually end up in Hub City's site once that launches. However, Wilshe said his initial impression of Morristown was so strong, "I liked it so much, I drove back to Hoboken the same day and begged Dave to make me the editor of EatDrinkMorristown," he said. "There's something about Morristown. You can still see the stars and hear the crickets at night."

Liebler, who founded Coed Magazine in 2005 and sold it in 2006, said his top reason for launching EatDrinkHoboken was because he didn't know where the specials were. "It was frustrating, having to go to each different website and find out what's going on," he said.

It was a niche Liebler knew would gain interest. "If I'm looking I'm sure others are looking," he said.

Besides listing the specials happening at Morristown bars and restaurants, the EatDrink model has expanded into the editorial, with profiles on local restaurants, watering holes and more, including Wilshe's tribute to the end of the workweek with "Show Me Your Friday Face." EatDrinkMorristown also plans on holding, and participating in, special events around town.

The model, Wilshe said, is not to critique places, but just to let the public know what is out there and let them decide.

As far as a favorite place in Morristown, Wilshe was hesitant to show his hand. "I've been in over 100 venues in Morristown," he said. "To pick a fave, I don't think is possible."

However, there is a bit of nostalgia for , on South Street, since it was his first-ever stop in Morristown. "I have a certain fondness for that," Wilshe said.

Still living in New Brunswick, the editor said he is planning to move here as soon as possible. "The vibe and community here is very conducive to my lifestyle," he said.

Other EatDrink sites, including in New Brunswick, Atlantic City and Newark, are planned for early next year, Liebler said.